Manchester United confident of completing £15m deal for Nathaniel Clyne in the summer

Manchester United are reportedly confident of wrapping up a £15m deal for Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne during the summer transfer window.

According to the Mirror, Louis van Gaal has made signing a right-back and a centre-back a priority and is willing to wait until the summer to get his primary targets.

The former Crystal Palace defender, who chose to move to St Mary's over Old Trafford, when he left the Eagles three seasons ago is said to be at the top of the Dutchman's wanted list.

The 20-times English champions are believed to be confident of landing their man this time around and are willing to wait until the summer before making a move.

Clyne has been one of the Saints' key players in their incredible start to the Premier League, which currently sees them in third place, ahead of big guns Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 23-year-old full-back has 18 months left on his current deal, and has currently stalled contract talks with the club, insisting that he will wait till April before deciding his next step.

"We will wait until April. I'm still negotiating my contract with my agent and the club," the former Crystal Palace defender said.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman, who is hoping to lead the south coast club into the Champions League in his first season in England, is keen to tie down his stars to new long-term deals.

Apart from the Red Devils, Premier League rivals Liverpool have also been credited with interest in signing the defender with Brendan Rodgers a big admirer of the player.

It could be yet another summer of rebuilding for the Saints, as most of their key players are once again targeted by the top clubs.